PS 3537 
.H16 K5 
1922 
Copy 1 




KING WINTER'S COURT 



anc 



The Miss Springtime Company 



A PLAY 
OF ONE ACT. IN TWO SCENES 



CAN BE GIVEN BY 
A DRAMATIC OR DANCE SCHOOL 



BY 

ALMA MATER WILSON SHAFER 

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA 
Copyrighted by the Author 



KING WINTER'S COURT 

and 

The Miss Springtime Company 



A PLAY 
OF ONE ACT IN TWO SCENES 




CAN BE GIVEN BY 
A DRAMATIC OR DANCE SCHOOL 



BY 



ALMA MATER WILSON SHAFER 

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA 
Copyrighted by the Author 






KING WINTER^S COURT 

CHARACTERS "^1 

King Winter. 

Prince Iceland — (King Winter's Son.) 
Princess Snowbound — (Bethrothed to the Prince.) 
Lady Sunshine — (Beloved hy the Prince.) 
Jack Frost. 
North Wind. 
End of the Rainbow. 
King's Attendants — (Any number.) 
Court Messenger. 
Herald. 

Standard Bearers. 
Court Jester. 

Icicles — (Prince Iceland's Attendants.) 
Snowflakes — (Princess Snow's Attendants.) 
Imps — The Window Painters (Jack Frost's Attendants.) 
Sunbeams and Cupid — (Lady Sunshine's Attendants.) 
The Court Ballet. 
Premiere Danseuse. 
Miss Springtime. 

Manager — (of the Miss Springtime Co.) 
The Springtime Ballet. 
Rose / 

Kathryne I Members of the 

^H?flhPth { ^^^^^ Springtime Co. 

^iizaoetn \ ^ ^ York City 

Jane [ 

and Delegate \ 

(High Priestess and Incense Dancers, Train Bearers, Flower 
Girls, Snow Birds and Bunnies, etc.) 



'CI.D 61666 



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KING WINTER'S COURT 

NOTE 
As no change in scenery is necessary, tlie setting siiould be' ass 
elaborate as possible, finishing with a snow storm. If it is desired t&» 
use the same people in both scenes, the costumes can be covered witk 
the cape used by the Springtime Co., until such time as they can 
change and no waiting is necessary between scenes. 

Lady S., when she first appears may be attended by a cupid 
dressed in gold, who dances between the Prince and Lady S., with 
his bovv^ and arrow. 

Lady S. and the Sunbeams wear gold costumes. The King, Prince 
and Piincess, in white court costumes with ermine fur. Tha snow- 
flakes in white with tufts of cotton sev/ed on and crystal bead trim- 
ming. 

The King's attendants in white flannel, made Roman blouse with 
girdle. Jack Frost and Imps in close fitting suits covered with spark- 
ling trimmings. The court ballet in white ballet dresses trimmed with 
silver ribbon, to which snowballs are attached. North Wind in grey 
and blue drapery. End of the Rainbow colored ballet dress. The 
Springtime Co., will wear dresses suitable to their particular part. 
The ballet can be costumed in green for one size and pink for an- 
other size. If another color is desired it could be yellow or lavender. 
If necessary some of the characters can be omitted, such as North 
V/ind, End of the Rainbow, Court Jester etc. If there is a derth 
of good speaking characters in the school, the speeches in the Spring- 
time Co., can be doubled. 

The End of the Rainbow and Premiere Danseuse dress the stage 
in the Court scenes and dance before the King. 

The author will be glad to answer any question regarding the 
staging, costuming and special dances used which will benefit the 
teacher. 

SYNOPSIS 
Serene I. — A snow and ice scene — with throne for King up R., a 
raised platform up L. for Lady Sunshine to appear upon — all covered 
with snow. — Prince discovered, seated on steps of throne. 

Scene II. — Same as Scene I, finishing with a snow storm. 

Time of Play — The play can be made to run an entire evening 
if a sufficient amount of material is used in the court revelry and th*^ 
entertainment given by the Miss Springtime Company. 



NOTE NO., 2 

The entrances and exits of the King and his court, should he . 
made very impressive. Enter down R^ — March to center of stage then., 
up center to throne. The different attendants should stop before; 
reaching the throne separate and face eacli other, thus forming a . 
pathway for the passage of the court dignitaries. The trumpeter whav. 
heralds the approach of the King should march to the left of the 
stage and face, holding a very military position during the assem- 
bling of the court. The standard bearers march to center separate-v 
face each other and present arms as the King passes — then take the 
extreme right and left of the stage. The jester dances in front of the. 
King and takes a place near the King on the throne. 

Prince Iceland and his attendants take up their position center- 
back. Lady Snowbound and attendants in aff oblique line on the right, 
with the court ballet in the same formation on opposite side. Jack 
Frost and the Imps, dance in and face the throne,, the Imps sitting 
until they dance out for their paint buckets. These buckets and 
brushes should be painted white. If Jack Frost has considerable 
trouble managing the Imps, it lends a touch of comedy. 

Tlie play has been arranged with the object in view of linking 
together the work of the school for a finishing performance and all the 
beautiful things learned during the year can be utilized. 



KING WINTER'S COURT 



SCENE I. 



NOTEi — Snow-birds standing in semi-circle at back of stage. 
They dance as curtain rises and return to places. 

PRINCE — Why does my father insist on such a loveless marriage? 
Princess Snow is so cold and unapproachable! I don't w^ant her for 
my wife and I am most unhappy. 

NOTE — Chorus off stage, sings "Look for 
the Silver Lining," published by T. B. Harris 
Co., N. Y., copyrighted MCMXXI. Then have 
chorus dance across stage singing. Prince 
up stage despondent. 



a 



(Enter Lady Sunshine.) 



(Snow-birds dance again and exit.) 



NOTE — Speaking parts from here until the 
King enters are set to music of "Dance of the 
Robins." Published and copyrighted by Sam 
Fox Publishing Co., Cleveland and New Yori-:. 

PRINCE — Tell me beautious maiden, where you came from into 
here. 

LADY S — I came from far across the ocean, from the land far 
o'er the sea. 

PRINCE — Tell me, wonderous lady, were you happy there in that 
land across the sea? 



LADY S — Yes, your Royal Highness, I was happy. Oh, so happy, 
happy there. 

PRINCE — Oh, Golden Lady, if you stay not, stay not here, I'll die. 

LADY S — Prince Charming, let me tell a secret. If I stay here 
you will die. For my rays are life and health and pleasure to lands 
far o'er the sea, but they're death, destruction and oblivion to all whO: 
dwell in your fair land. 

PRINCE — I care not, if you'll stay here now with me. 

LADY S — If you love me— on bended knee you'll vow. 

PRINCE — On bended knee I vow to Heavea abiO'Ve'^ t© l!©^© j&VSr t® 



JSMKGER— (Entering, down R.-) — Sir, Uis 
feMs ymt attend Mm at once*. 

FEIMC;1J— 'I wfli me 'my l&tMv #©si#nsfljr, (illfit "Mg.s®eng;gr,> 

LiABY B — I'm a very fiefele Ia(fof,'.i|cxv;:thi»-^Iand',y©'U: loye &o well. 
If ycm S&& m\& very often, you'll be not a charming Prince, but a littl© 
stream of water on its way: down to the sea, 

KING WINTER, — (Entering- down R, accompanied by Trumpeter.) 
— My son, have I not comxiiandedyou to stop this flirtaUon with Lady 
Sunshine? 

LADY S— Your Majesty, blame not your son for that which he 
cannot help. 

KING W — (Angrily)-— You are our worst enemy and my son does 
not know .the danger he is in. Leave us, I command you ! 

PRINCE — Stay, oh, lady fair, I beseech thee, on bended knee I — 

LADY S — On be-nded knee? Oh, Prince, I must Heave you— your 
father is right, but I will come again and again for a short intei^aJ — 
but beware Prince Charming, that you ask not too much of me. {Esit 
Sunshine) . 

PRINCE" — Sir, you have taken from me the one bright spot In 
my life. 

KING W — My. son, I have sent from you that which .in a short 
time would destroy you. "I must be cruel to be kind." 

(To Trumpeter) — Go summons my ministers and all my court, 
that we may without delay announce the betrothal of Prince Iceland 
and Princess ;Snowbound. (Exit Trumpeter.) (Exit King.) (Prince 
up stage.) 

PRINCESS SNOW— (Entering down L.)— Oh, woe is me! I love 
the Prince and he loves Lady Sunshine — I spread a mantle of white 
purity over all the world to delight his eye, but he sees only the golden 
glitter of sunshine. 

PRINCE — (Coming dowii stage) — Princess Snow, I wish you 
would not follow me about so constantly. I'm tired of your white 
purity; I want life and warmth and happiness. (Retires up stage.)^ 



(Princess Snow falls in despair.) (Enter Snowf lakes — Dance around 
stage, they discover their Princess.) 

A SNOWFLAKE — See our Princess where she lies! (Dance 
aroujid her and help her to her feet.) (Exit.) 

NOTE — (Prince recites or sings "Only a 
Smile." Published and copyrighted by Sam 
Fox Publishing Co., Cleveland and N. Y. f 

Lady Sunshine appears, on the words, "All 
that I hold dear, now is drawing near." Have 
2nd choi'us sung by invisible choir. At finish 
a blare of trumpets is heard and Lady Sun- 
shine hasitily disappears.) 

(Enter, the Court.) !^, '-^ 

NOTE — Enter the King, preceded by trumpet- 
ers. Messenger, Standard Bearers and Jester 
followed by the Prince, Princess and Jack 
Frost with their attendants, and all the 
Court. * ~* [j 

(King seated on ithrone.) 

KING W — This gajthering of my court Is to witness the betrothal 
of my son Prince Iceland and the Princess Snowbound. This mar- 
riage will be in every way a fitting one for my son and I know you 
rejoice with me that in this union the noble character and time-hon- 
ored traditions of our country will be perpetuated. 

NOTE — The betrothal scene, should be as i 

elaborate as possible, finishing with a Pa- 
vanne or a Court Dance, after which the 
King's Messenger reads the Royal decree. 

KING'S MESSENGER— Here all ye! List to the Royal Message. 
It is herein set down, that the King granits his loyal subjects a half 
holiday in which they may make merry as best suits their wishes. 

SUBJECTS — Long live the king! (Exit King and Attendants,, 
followed by all the Court.) 

NOTE— Here may be introduced dances or 
acts in keeping with the spirit of the play. 
If play is given by a dance school, the revel- 
! ry may consist of a group of dances. If given 

'^ by a dramatic school, anything in keeping 

with the nature of the play, or a mixture of 
song and dance may here be introduced at < 

end of which the King again appears. 

KING W. — (Enter down R.)— Proceeded by trumpeters, messen- 
ger, standard bearers and jester, etc.) My faithful subjects, this Is 
our harvest time and as this holiday is drawing to a close, we must 
be about our work. (To Messenger) — Call my son. (Messenger sum- 
mons Prince who goes to throne.) Prince Iceland, see that all the 
streams are locked with ice. 

PRINCE — Your commands shall be obeyed sir. 

KING W— Call Princess Snowbound. (Goes to throne.) Covej: 
the world with your fleecy blanket, .__ 



PRINCESIS S— With pleasure, I will do as ydu Md. 

KING (W — Call my not to be trusted subject, Jack Frost and h.is 
Imps — The Window Painters. (They go to throne.) Your work, sir, is 
to nip the nose and bite the toes of all who go abroad. You will also 
see that your Imps paint all windows with fantastic pictures. 

JACK FROST — ^We will get our frost pots and brushes and will 
away to do your bidding. (Exit, and dancia in with buckets and 
brushes and do eccentric dance.) 

KING W — North Wind, come at my call. (Dances in.) Be 
about your duty, make a stir worthy of your name. (Noise of wind.) 

NOTE — (Entire Court exit left on minuet 
step.) As the dancers leave the stage, the 
noise of an air plane is heard. 



KING WINTER'S COURT 



SCENE IL 




VD^i^ja til ,'_*>lW.'*A>t*A<iJ. 



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(Enter Miss Springtime Co.) 

NOTE — Enter Miss Springtime Co. from up 
L, speaking characters first, followed by 
cliorus. If it is necessary to use tlie same 
people as in Scene I, use a cape to cover, 
until such time as they can change costume. 

MANAGER — My goodness. I wonder where we have landed! its 
very beautiful but I'm afraid we will all fre'eze to death. 

MISS SPRINGTIME— Iits; a pity we had not been less sure ot 
landing in a few hours at our next appointment. 

ROSE — Yes, and its a pity we didn't wear more clothes for I'm 
sure we would enjoy this place much more. 

KATHRYNE — Well, let's stir around and find out v/here we go 
from here. 

ANN — It would be well for you to be careful, th?j': you don't slid :; 
over an ic{y precipice or you'll find out right suddenly, v/liere you go 
from here. 

ELIZABETH — I see some objects approaching i:i tho diotance. 

ROSE- — Well, let them approach, they can't hurt us — for I'm con- 
vinced the worst fate a human being can meet up here, is freezing, 
and thus becoming a small part of J this artistic landscape. 

ANN — Well, why not? I'm sure-one could meet a worse fato than 
being a frosty sparkling object liks these all through olernicy; Iho 
thought of where one might go should give us pause. (Pointing down.) 



ROiSE — Say, look.' here. I suppose you are talking about yourself^ 
-^For myself I have no intetition of either burning or freezing. If I 
ever get out of this, and get to California, I'll marry the first good, 
looking chap I meet and spend the remainder of my life in the sylvan, 
glades of that fair land. 

JANE — What! Quit being an actress to just marry a man? 

KATHRYNE — How could she quit being something she never was?. 
And no man has asked her 'to marry him yet. 

ROSE — If my hands weren't so cold, I'd box your ears, but I'm. 
afraid of cracking them off like an icicle. 

KATHRYNE — Well, a few more icicles would make no difference 
in this country — if any one wants to give me something though let, 
it be a nice hot fire. 

MANAGER — There is one thing certain to my mind. These ob- 
jects ithat are approaching are acclimated, for they seem to be a. 
merry bunch of snow and ice. 

MISS SPRINGTIME— I wonder if they will devour us or receiva 
us with open arms. 

JANE — Maybe they haven't any arms, you talk as though they 
were human beings. 

ROSE — Well, I, for one, don't care what they are — human beings, 
animal beings or vegetable beings, if they will only show me some 
way of getting warm. 

MANAGER — 'The thing for you people to do is to stop your fuss- 
ing and prepare to meet this situation with a bold and united front. 

(Noise of approaching wind and snow.) (Action of Chorus gev 
ting colder.) (Enter King and Attendants.) 

KING — ^Who has thus invaded our sacred land? 

ELiIZABETH — Mercy me! It looks like a real King and his 
Court. 

KING — Young lady you guessed right. I am King Winter and 
these are my subjects, and this my country, o'er which I hold un- 
disputed sway. 

MISS SPRINGTIME — Your Majesty, we are the Miss Springtime 
Co., of New York City, on our way to the coast. 

KING — ^Coasit say you, what coast? 

MANAGER— Well, Sir, in our country we call it the Western 
Coast. We played in New York City yesternight and should be play- 
ing in San Francisco tonight. Instead, vire were diverted from our 
course by a terrible snow storm and landed here to get our bearings 
and repair our flying machine. 

MISS SPRINGTIME— We ask hospitality in your most beautiful 
country, until such time as we can continue our journey. 

KIN(j — My ministers will confer and will then send a representa- 
tive of the government to tell you the decision as to what disposition 
will be made of you. (Exit King.) 



ROSE— Well of all the colossal nerve! I guess he won't dispose 
of us in such wholesale fashion, one of us will go to this confab and 
watch developments. (Exit company.) 

(Enter Sunshine and Sunbeams.) (They dance and exit.) (En- 
ter members of Springtime Co.) 

JANE — It is not quite so cold, do you think? 

ROSE — Of course it isn't — the Sun has been out and warmed 
things up a bit. I hope she will sitick around — One can certainly 
appreciate the Sun's rays, in this ice-bound country, 

MISS SPRINGTIME— Well, I can stand it somehow, if that North 
Wind just stays away. 

(Enter King's Herald and delegate from Springtime Co.) 

HERALD — We bring a message from the King, 

DELEGATE— Whait do you think that old reprobate of a King 
wants? 

ELIZABETH— Couldn't guess, what is it? 

DELEGATE — He has decided that, as we are a troop of actors 
from New York, he will see our show and if it amuses him, we 
can stay until our plane is fixed — if it does not amuse him, we are 
to be pushed over ithe edge into space. 

ROSE — Of all the nerve I Take off what little covering we have, 
and perform in this Zero atmosphere. 

ANN — You can have your choice of performing or — (action of 
pushing over the edge.) 

KATHRYNE — Nuff sed! Let's get busy and do our best to sat- 
isfy him, and I'll ask him for a nice hot stove for my/' reward. 

JANE — Yes, you have a happy chance of getting it.. 

MANAGER — Here, you are fussing again! Now as manager ot 
this company, I order you all to your icy dressing rooms, and we will 
§tart our performance at once. (Exit all but Manager and Herald.) 

(To Herald) — Notify the King that we are ready to comply with 
his wishes and will start our performances at once, upon the assem- 
l)ling of His Majesty's Court. (Exit Herald.) (Enter King and At- 
tendants.) 

NOTE — After they have grouped themselves 
about the throne, the entertainment will start 
using the small children first. Any number 
of dances, songs and readings can be intro- 
duced here. At the finish, the n9ise oi the 
air plane is heard and the Co. enter — 

MISS SPRINGTIME— The plane! The plane! The engines are 
running. We need not wait for His Majesty's decision. 



CJIOEUS— We are here today an4 gone Jtomorrow 
Via our airplane. 
We leave New York and J^nd on this 

Just to find not much amiss. 
We will sail away and land near the bay, 

And look the landscape o'er — 
If we like it there some better than here. 
We will stay there for alway, 
(Set to tune of Chorus. "There's a Sunbeam,." Published and 
copyrighted by Leo Feist, N. Y.) 

MESSENGER— (Stepping to front of stage)— Deg,!* friencjg, our 
play is finished. If we have pleased, then we have minds at ease. 
Your liberal applause was a source of pleasure, it helped to keep 
our feet in measure. And as we appear from year to year before our 
own home people, we hope to grow in grace of movement, seeiking 
always some improvement. 

We are grateful beyond our power to express — King Winter's 
iC.ourt and The Miss Springtime Co. 

(Repeat Chpru?-) 



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